By Johnson Dairo Daniel
BoldNEWS Africa
Ogun State, Nigeria
August 22, 2026
The ancient city of Isonyin in Ogun North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State came alive with excitement on Saturday as elite athletes and local runners converged for the third edition of the Isonyin Marathon, competing for millions of naira in prize money and the honour of emerging among the event’s top performers.
The 21-kilometre marathon, themed “Run for Elevation,” attracted participants from different parts of Nigeria, including Delta, Plateau and Ogun states, and others turning the streets of Isonyin into a colourful display of endurance, determination and sporting excellence.
While attention was initially focused on seasoned athletes competing for ten top positions across four categories, of Elites Female, Elites Male, Local Male and Local Female, a 10-year-old girl emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the event after finishing third in the local female category.
The young runner won the admiration of spectators with her courage, stamina and determination as she competed alongside significantly older participants, drawing cheers from the crowd and adding an inspiring dimension to the competition.
Her father, who doubles as her manager, coach and fellow participant, told journalists that her success was the product of rigorous training and strong family support. He explained that athletics had become a family affair, with her two other sisters also actively involved in the sport.
The marathon provided a platform for local athletes to test their strength against more experienced and elite runners, creating a highly competitive atmosphere as participants pushed themselves towards the finish line.
Speaking at the event, the royal father of Isonyin, the Saderiren of Isonyin Ilufemiloye, Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdul Rasheed Omotayo Cossy Salami, said the marathon was about more than prize money.
The monarch said the Isonyin Marathon demonstrated the growing potential of grassroots athletics and the ability of sporting events to inspire young people to embrace fitness, discipline and healthy competition.
Oba Salami urged youths to embrace sporting activities and shun drug abuse and other illicit acts capable of destroying their future.
He also commended the organisers, participants and sponsors for contributing to the success of the event.
The founder and Chairman of the MASA Isonyin Marathon, Dr. Maiden Adegboye Salami, Ph.D., FNIMN, described the initiative as a simple but powerful vision aimed at using sport as a catalyst for youth empowerment, healthy living, community development and the promotion of Isonyin’s rich cultural heritage.
While appreciating everyone whose contributions made the event possible, she said the vision would continue to grow, attracting athletes, visitors and sports lovers from across Nigeria, other African countries and beyond.
The Chairman of Ogun North-East Local Government Area and co-host of the event, Hon. Foluso Badejo, described the marathon as a divine instrument for community and human development.
Badejo, who expressed satisfaction that the event took place during his tenure as chairman, applauded the organisers and welcomed athletes from Delta, Plateau and Ogun states, as well as local participants.
He also assured participants and visitors of a safe and lively environment throughout the event.
The Chairman of the Day, MIM 2026, Dr. AMB Williams Banjo, Chief Executive Officer of BANSEK Production Limited and a major sponsor of the marathon, commended the peaceful atmosphere in the community.
He said the experience of operating his industries in the area had been satisfactory and encouraging, describing the community as a conducive environment for business and development.
In the men’s category, the defending champion Francis James successfully retained his title, improving on his previous record of one hour and 10 minutes to emerge as the 2026 gold medallist with an improved time of just over one hour.
In the women’s category, Miss Vivian Obidia of Plateau State emerged as the gold medallist.
The event was witnessed by representatives of various Nigerian marathon and athletics bodies, sports enthusiasts, community leaders and residents, further highlighting the potential of grassroots sporting events to promote youth engagement and produce athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.
The emergence of the 10-year-old girl further underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young talents to discover, nurture and develop their abilities from an early age.
As the dust settled on the marathon, the event left behind not only winners and prize-money recipients but also a memorable story of Isonyin Sons and daughters friendly hospitality, youthful determination, unity and credible leadership.
As many looking for the next marathon race, the all inclusiveness, openess and perfect organizating effort brace the event”s spotlight of discovery youngest and oldest marathon racers on a day dominated by elite athletes, fierce competition and millions of naira at stake.
With closing remark, the project director,Yeye Ademola Salami acknowledged that the marathon has taking beyond the race itself but insightful feature of display togetherness of Ison people, openness of the area to the world and inspiring the young to actively engage with world most liking sport.
(BoldNEWS Africa)
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